About
Narrow, green needle-like foliage covers thin, wispy stems and intensely bright blue flowers appear from September through to November. A deciduous to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial to around 100cm in height, with a more upright and sturdier habit than other forms. Drought-tolerant and frost-hardy in most parts of the UK.
About the genus
Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil, in full sun or light dappled shade. Protect from excessive winter wet This plant was included in the RHS hardy Salvia trial 2022-2024
PruningCut back flower spikes to prolong flowering period
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots